Finally, a definitive guide about the "Affordable Care Act" written specifically for employers

HOUSTON, July 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Much has been written about the "Affordable Care Act" (ACA) as it pertains to individuals, but far too little that talks directly to employers and addresses their questions and concerns. This is that book. It's written by Mario K. Castillo, a labor and employment attorney at Monty & Ramirez LLP, based in Houston, Texas.

The Affordable Care Act will be fully implemented January 1, 2014, but it's causing concern and anxiety for business owners right now. Employers are uncertain about the rules, regulations and seemingly mysterious fines. This is the most up-to-date, and the only complete, comprehensive one-stop-shop book concerning the ACA's employer mandate.

"My goal with this nuts and bolts guide is to clear up all the misinformation and give readers a basic overview of how the major parts of the employer mandate work, and empower them to make the right choices," said Castillo. "It's written for small to medium size business owners who can't afford to hire in-house lawyers, but need to know how to avoid breaking the law and employer mandate penalties."

Penalties can be substantial, and indicators show that the Department of Labor, OSHA, and the IRS will all play a role in auditing businesses in order to verify compliance. Failure to offer insurance coverage to employees can lead to a minimum yearly fine of $40,000. And even if employers do offer "qualified," "affordable" coverage, but don't do it exactly as the law states, a minimum fine of $3,000 per affected employee can be incurred.

"Make no mistake, the law is complex, but it is manageable," stated Castillo. "There are ways to minimize the impact on your bottom line and on your business. This book is full of helpful, real-life examples and will help you choose the right paths for your business. You'll know exactly what you need to do, and when you need to do it."

While many employers know that the ACA mandates go into effect at the beginning of the new year, the book highlights key dates that must be met well before January 1, 2014. They also aren't aware that there are ways to delay the employer mandate in specific industries if certain criteria and deadlines are met.

"The Business Owner's Guide to The Employer Mandate" answers employers' questions like:

• Is my company required to comply with ACA?
• How much will it cost if our company doesn't offer health insurance?
• I've heard about "safe harbors." What are they?
• I have also heard about "managing risk exposure." How do I manage risk?
• How does the ACA define "qualified" healthcare?
• Do I have to pay for coverage for an employee's spouse and dependents as well?

"This is a new world where faulty assumptions can lead to costly penalties," stated Castillo. "There's no one-size-fits all answer to the employer mandate question because each business is different. The only thing that's sure is that you need to start preparing now."

"The Business Owner's Guide to The Employer Mandate" is available in paperback at: www.montyramirezlaw.com, on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble. A version of the book is also available for your eReader exclusively on Amazon.com. For any questions or comments, please call: 281-493-5529.

About Monty & Ramirez LLP
Houston-based Monty & Ramirez LLP is a minority-owned law firm representing public and private sector businesses and organizations in matters involving employment, labor and immigration compliance. The firm also maintains a full-service business immigration practice representing companies and individuals alike. Practice areas include: Labor & Employment, General Litigation, Immigration Compliance, Business Immigration Practice and Hispanic Workforce Services.

SOURCE Monty & Ramirez LLP